i *almost* failed out of nursing school
patho almost got me y’all😩
me and physiology of any kind have never gotten along. it’s always been so hard for me to remember all of the mechanisms that happen in the body. i even struggled with my a&p pre-reqs. as you can see, i barely passed my first pathophysiology exam and failed my second. i remember walking out of the second exam bawling, calling my mom and bf to tell them how i failed. i even started seriously considering what i would do if i didn’t pass the semester.
as soon as that test was over though, i immediately started studying for the next exam. would literally stay up until 2am everyday reviewing lectures, taking notes, doing the whiteboard method, etc. then a week before the exam, i went into lock in mode doing practice questions, quizlet reviews, and the whiteboard method. the night of my final patho exam, i only got 30 minutes of sleep because i was so anxious. i cried anxiously that morning before the test, while simultaneously praying to God to watch over me during my exam.
God definitely answered my prayers because as i was going through that exam, i felt like i knew every single answer. i had studied and did practice questions so much, i was able to answer the questions almost immediately with hesitation. that was the first nursing exam i took where i genuinely felt like i understood the content. i hit submit, saw my score, and almost cried. i couldn’t believe that not only did i pass, i got one of the highest exam grades in the class!
two morals of this story… first, don’t give up and keep going, even if things look dim. with hard work (and prayer if you’re religious), you can literally do anything. but you can’t just want it to happen. you HAVE to put in the work. second, get it right the first time. don’t wait until things look drastic to turn your behavior around. if i had worked harder after barely passing my first exam, i am confident that i would’ve gotten a higher exam two score, saving me from a bunch of anxiety, tears, and sleepless nights. work hard first so you can play later. based on this experience, i know i never want deal with that again and will put in the work so i never have to!
#nursing #nursingschool #nursingstudent #masters #gradschool
I totally get it. Those days when you feel like you hate nursing school, when every lecture feels like a mountain you can't climb, and the thought of another exam makes your stomach churn – you're not alone. I’ve been there, staring at exam scores like 70.67% and 67.83%, wondering if I was cut out for this at all. It felt like I was constantly struggling to keep my head above water, especially with complex subjects like pathophysiology. Why is nursing school so incredibly hard, anyway? It’s not just the sheer volume of information; it’s the way we have to learn to *think*. We're not just memorizing facts; we’re learning to apply critical thinking to real-life patient scenarios, often under immense pressure. Pathophysiology, in particular, requires understanding intricate mechanisms, how they go wrong, and what that means for the body. It’s a whole different beast than your typical A&P! For me, those moments after seeing my initial low scores were gut-wrenching. I remember thinking, 'How am I ever going to get that 71.5% needed on the final?' But here’s the thing: struggling doesn't mean failing, and it definitely doesn't mean you're not meant to be a nurse. It means you're human, and you're tackling one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, academic journeys out there. When I hit my lowest point, I knew I had to change something. Beyond hitting the books for hours, I focused on how I was studying. Active recall became my best friend – instead of passively re-reading notes, I’d quiz myself constantly, trying to recall information from scratch. The whiteboard method was a game-changer for visualizing complex processes, and using practice questions from various sources helped me understand the style of questions I’d face. Websites like Quizlet were invaluable for quick reviews and solidifying concepts. It wasn't just about academics, though. The anxiety was real. I cried, I worried, I barely slept before that final exam. Learning to manage that stress is just as crucial as mastering the content. Finding a study buddy or a support group who understands what you're going through can make a huge difference. Taking short, intentional breaks, even just 10 minutes to walk away from your desk, can prevent burnout. And yes, sometimes, a good cry to your mom or best friend is exactly what you need to release some pressure. Seeing that 94.33% on my NURS 500A Fall 2024 final exam wasn't just about a grade; it was proof that perseverance, combined with smart strategies and a strong support system, truly pays off. If you're feeling like you hate nursing school right now, take a deep breath. Acknowledge your feelings, but don't let them define your journey. Re-evaluate your study methods, lean on your support network, and remember the 'why' behind your decision to pursue nursing. Every nurse has a story of struggle; yours is just beginning to show your incredible strength.
Maannnn at my school, a 80 is a C!